Method of treating blepharitis

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for treating non-infectious, inflammatory chronic posterior blepharitis in a subject. The present invention also relates to a method for treating chronic posterior blepharitis in a subject for over two weeks. The method comprises identifying a subject in need thereof, and topically administering to the eye of the subject a pharmaceutical formulation consisting essentially of an effective amount azithromycin. The present invention further relates to a method for treating dry eye secondary to blepharitis in a subject. The method comprises the steps of: identifying a subject suffering from dry eye secondary to posterior blepharitis, and topically administering to the eye of the subject a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an effective amount of azithromycin. The present invention further relates to method for reducing contact lens intolerance of a subject due to blepharitis or dry eye secondary to blepharitis.

1. A method for treating non-infectious, inflammatory chronic posterior blepharitis in a subject, comprising:
 identifying a subject suffering from non-infectious, inflammatory chronic posterior blepharitis, and 
 topically administering to the eye of the subject a pharmaceutical formulation consisting essentially of an effective amount of azithromycin. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said effective amount of azithromycin is about 0.5-1.5% (w/v). 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said effective amount of azithromycin is about 1% (w/v). 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said azithromycin is formulated in polycarbophil, edetate disodium, sodium chloride, and water. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said subject is administered with the pharmaceutical formulation for at least two weeks. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said subject is administered with the pharmaceutical formulation for at least a month. 
     
     
       7. The method according to  claim 1 , further comprises the step of treating the subject with a mechanical therapy. 
     
     
       8. A method for treating non-infectious, inflammatory chronic posterior blepharitis in a subject, comprising:
 identifying a subject suffering from non-infectious, inflammatory chronic posterior blepharitis, and 
 topically administering to the eye of the subject a pharmaceutical formulation consisting essentially of an effective amount of azithromycin for more than two weeks. 
 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said effective amount of azithromycin is about 0.5-1.5% (w/v). 
     
     
       10. The method according to  claim 9 , wherein said effective amount of azithromycin is about 1% (w/v). 
     
     
       11. The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said azithromycin is formulated in polycarbophil, edetate disodium, sodium chloride, and water. 
     
     
       12. The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said subject is administered with the pharmaceutical formulation for at least three weeks. 
     
     
       13. The method according to  claim 12 , wherein said subject is administered with the pharmaceutical formulation for at least four weeks. 
     
     
       14. The method according to  claim 8 , further comprises the step of treating the subject with a mechanical therapy. 
     
     
       15. A method for treating inflammatory chronic posterior blepharitis in a subject, comprising:
 identifying a subject suffering from non-infectious, inflammatory chronic posterior blepharitis, and 
 topically administering to the eye of the subject a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an effective amount of azithromycin intermittently for over two weeks. 
 
     
     
       16. The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the pharmaceutical formulation is topically administered intermittently after the initial daily dosing for two weeks. 
     
     
       17. A method for treating dry eye secondary to non-infectious, inflammatory blepharitis in a subject, comprising:
 identifying a subject suffering from dry eye secondary to non-infectious, inflammatory blepharitis, and 
 topically administering to the eye of the subject a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an effective amount of azithromycin. 
 
     
     
       18. The method according to  claim 17 , wherein said effective amount of azithromycin is about 0.5-1.5% (w/v). 
     
     
       19. The method according to  claim 17 , wherein said effective amount of azithromycin is about 1% (w/v). 
     
     
       20. The method according to  claim 17 , wherein said subject is administered with the pharmaceutical formulation daily or intermittently for more than two weeks. 
     
     
       21. A method for reducing contact lens intolerance of a subject due to non-infectious, inflammatory blepharitis or dry eye secondary to non-infectious, inflammatory blepharitis, comprising:
 identifying a subject suffering from contact lens intolerance due to non-infectious, inflammatory blepharitis or dry eye secondary to non-infectious, inflammatory blepharitis, and 
 topically administering to the eye of the subject a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an effective amount of azithromycin, whereby the comfortable contact lens wearing time per day in the subject is increased.